'Cool to be back together': Dick reunites with Whitfeld in NRLW debut

Cowboys debutant Lily Dick has revealed how star fullback and former Australian rugby sevens team-mate Jakiya Whitfeld convinced her to switch codes.

Dick has worn green and gold on the world stage, earned a Commonwealth Games gold medal, and dazzled in the final seconds of international sevens showdowns, but she is now embracing a new challenge in a different code.

At 25, the former Australian sevens star has traded the Gilbert for a Steeden, making her NRLW debut in Cowboys colours on home turf in Townsville alongside Whitfeld.

It was a full circle moment for the pair, who are best friends, with Whitfeld convincing Dick to give rugby league a go.

“We were talking before the game, one of the last times we played together was actually here in this stadium,” Dick said to 42025.com. “So it’s cool to be back together.”

One of the last times they shared the field was at the 2021 Oceania Sevens Championship, also held in Townsville, before Whitfeld made the leap to league in 2022.

Now reunited at club level, the duo ran out together for the Cowboys in Round Two of the NRLW against Newcastle.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the NRLW, so to finally debut, and at home with Mum and Dad in the stands, it was such a proud moment,” Dick said. “Despite the result, it’s definitely a dream come true.”

Whitfeld, now in her second season in Townsville and thriving in the fullback role, played a key part in easing Dick’s transition to the 13-aside game.

“She’s one of my closest mates, so it’s been awesome having her help me through this," Dick said.

Dick made her Australian Rugby Sevens debut in 2018 and instantly made an impact, famously scoring a try just two minutes after full time in the third-place playoff to help the Aussies secure bronze.

Her accolades include a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, but her Olympic dreams were put on hold after rupturing her ACL during the Singapore Sevens, forcing her to miss the 2024 Paris Games.

Several stars have made the same switch before her.

Whitfeld, Emma Verran, Charlotte Caslick, Stacey Waaka Michaela Brake, Tyla King and Tenika Willison have all made the move from sevens to the NRLW.

Aussie Sevens teammate Dom Du Toit has also made the transition, linking
up with Verran at the Sharks.

Dick joined the Cowboys at the beginning of pre-season and played her first game in the BMD Premiership with the Northern Pride, and it wasn’t long before NRLW coach Ricky Henry gave her the call-up.

“Our coaching staff have been amazing,” Dick said. “I chat with them weekly about how I can improve.”

She played 25 minutes in her NRLW debut against the defending premiers on Saturday, and while the result didn’t go the Cowboys’ way, her coach was encouraged by her performance.

“She got out on the field. It's not ideal how we played today, but she got out there and didn’t look out of place. It probably sets her up nicely for the future,” Henry said post-match.

Now, one round into her NRLW career, Dick’s goals are simple: stay in the team, keep learning, and embrace every opportunity.

“Just trying to make the team each week. And if I don’t, I’ve got BMD to go back to, which is great for getting minutes," she said.

"I’ve still got so much to learn, but I feel like I’m gaining more confidence every game.”